Business
NOTE: The M.A. in business program is being phased
out, effective summer 2007. Current students may complete the program.
No new students may be enrolled into this program beyond the Spring
2, 2007 term. Students interested in general programs should talk to
an advisor about options.
Program Description
The objective of the business curriculum is to provide the student
with exposure to the various facets of decision making for business.
The use of theoretical knowledge and models for problem solving in
business is the heart of the program, with the student acquiring some
experiences in the business sciences.
Program Curriculum
The 36 credit hours required for the master of arts (M.A.) in business
must include the following courses for the degree:
- BUSN 5000 Business (Requisite Course)
- BUSN 5600 Accounting Theory and Practice
- FINC 5000 Finance
- BUSN 5620 Current Economic Analysis
- BUSN 5630 Business Law
- MRKT 5000 Marketing
- BUSN 6000 Integrated Studies in Business
In addition, the student chooses graduate elective courses offered
in this major and/or from the program curricula of other majors.
If the requisite course is waived, the student must choose an elective
course from this major or from the program curriculum of another major.
Students pursuing dual majors who have the requisite course(s) waived
will complete only the remaining required courses for the dual majors.
Course Descriptions
BUSN 5000 Business (Requisite Course) (3)
This course is designed to
provide a foundation in such general business concepts as economics,
finance, accounting, business law, marketing, and other business sy
stems.
BUSN 5500 Professional Seminars (1-3)
Students participate in seminars
designed to examine contemporary issues in business. The professional
seminar supplements the core and elective courses in the area of business
by focusing on issues of current and special interest. Course may be
repeated for credit if content differs. Graduate students may apply
a maximum of 3 credit hours of these seminars as electives to meet
the credit-hour requirements for graduation. This course may not be
completed by directed study.
BUSN 5600 Accounting Theory and Practice (3)
Students examine the accounting
function and its role in modern business. Basic accounting theory and
principles are examined, and some of the more important contemporary
accounting developments are reviewed. Case studies are analyzed with
an emphasis on situations from the students' own work experiences.
This course is designed for consumers as opposed to producers of accounting.
BUSN 5620 Current Economic Analysis (3)
Implications of current economic
events are examined through the applications of economic theory. Emphasis
is placed on acquainting the student with methods of economic analysis
in the context of current economic issues.
BUSN 5630 Business Law (3)
This course provides a basic understanding
of laws that relate to business with emphasis on the law of contracts,
negotiable instruments, secured transactions, business organization
and structure, relationships among firms, and property. Case studies
are analyzed in order to give the student an understanding of how these
various laws have evolved.
BUSN 5680 Issues in Business (3)
Current and significant issues in
business are examined. The course focuses on existing theories and
practices as well as on new and emerging topics in the field. Course
may be repeated for credit if content differs.
FINC 5000 Finance (3)
The student examines the general nature of financial
management, the American financial system, taxes, and the major financial
decisions of corporations. Specific attention is given to present value
and capital budgeting; risk and asset pricing; financial analysis and
forecasting; financial decisions and market efficiency; and capital
structure. Problem-solving methodology is used to illustrate the theories
and tools in financial decision making. Prerequisites: BUSN 5600 and
BUSN 5760. (BUSN 5200 cannot be substituted for FINC 5000.)
MRKT 5000 Marketing (3)
Students examine the character and importance
of the marketing process, its essential functions, and the institutions
exercising these functions. Course content focuses on the major policies
that underlie the activities of marketing institutions and the social,
economic, and political implications of such policies.
Capstone Course
BUSN 6000 Integrated Studies in Business (3)
The student is expected
to synthesize and integrate through case studies and analytical tools
the learning experiences acquired in previous business courses and
to evaluate the research and current topics relative to this major.
Prerequisite: completion of all other required courses in this major.
